Download Significance of Wesak - Year 11-12 Studies of Religion 2Unit 2013-4

Significance of Wesak -1
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Lies with the Buddha, and his universal peace message to mankind.
The heart of the teachings of the Buddha is contained in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths,
namely
- The Noble Truth of Dukkha
- The origin or cause of suffering
- The end of cessation of suffering
- The path which leads to the cessation of all suffering- The Noble Eightfold Path
The purpose of life is to put an end to suffering and all other forms of unsatisfactory conditionsto realise peace and real happiness.
The Noble Eightfold path avoids the extremes of self indulgence
Morality or good conduct is the avoidance of evil or unwholesome actions- actions which are
tainted by greed, hatred, and delusion.
Additional 3 precepts to follow The teaching of the Buddha became a great civilising force wherever it went.
The teaching of the Buddha is open to all to see and judge for themselves.
Shows appreciation to Buddha, and acknowledges the importance of the knowledge he held.
The importance of Nirvana and Samsara, hence, the need to oblige by the Four Noble truths, and
also the Eightfold path.
Encourages a greater expression of faith amongst adherents of Therevada Buddhism.
It Is significant as it contemplates the logical mind, and allows the adherent to see causes and
effect, and the true nature of existence, therefore paving the way for wisdom and insight.
Significance of Wesak – 2
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Wesak is the most important of the public puja festivals within Buddhism and it is enjoyed
and celebrated by all within the community.
Puja is worship; the ritual that honours a God or a Goddess as a divine guest, usually in a
temple but can also be a domestic ritual.
Wesak is so called because it is the name of the Buddha’s birth month. It is the same
month in which he reached Enlightenment and spirituality passed into Nirvana
Wesak is a festival and a puja is significant for both the individual and the Buddhist
community for a number of reasons.
For individuals: the significance is related to a personal response to a spiritual meaning
behind the enjoyment of the activities within this particular puja
Wesak celebrates the birth of a very special human being
It celebrates the Buddha’s awakening or Enlightenment
It celebrated the Buddha’s final passing into Nirvana (refers to as parinirvana)
Significance to the Buddha’s community is a day to remember what is possible in life and
what everyone is striving for in existence
Wesak is a day for focusing the mind (both individual and collectively) on three things:
 Buddha was a remarkable individual
 He lived a life which was an important and life changing example
 This example coupled with his message allowed people to know what it
means to be a complete human being
To revitalize the aspiration of humanity, (Buddhists)
Therefore Wesak is:
1. Buddha’s significance
2. birth; awareness of privileges and pleasure
3. enlightenment; example of possibilities
4. death and parinirvana; acceptance of death as a part of life